Chicago started the day on the brisk side, with temperatures around 23°F at Midway, but conditions are already trending milder than in recent weeks. Partly sunny skies should help nudge the high to around 37°F. Just do not get too cozy with the calmer feel, because a strengthening southerly breeze tonight and a passing cold front early Tuesday will kick up a round of gusty winds right on time for the morning commute.
Afternoon And Tonight
Through this afternoon, expect a mix of sun and clouds with temperatures topping out near 37°F, then sliding back into the mid 30s late in the day as cloud cover builds. South winds will run on the lighter side at first, around 5 to 10 mph. Later tonight, those south winds increase to around 10 mph with gusts that could reach about 25 mph ahead of the approaching front.
Tuesday Morning Commute
Early Tuesday, a cold front swings through and flips the wind to the northwest. Behind it, gusts in the 25 to 30 mph range are expected through the morning and into the afternoon. That will make bridges, exposed stretches of roadway and the lakefront feel especially blustery, and unsecured patio furniture or trash could get tossed around.
Drivers and cyclists should build in a little extra time, give high profile vehicles more space than usual and take it slow on elevated ramps that are more exposed to the wind.
Air Travel And Lakefront
The National Weather Service notes that strong winds aloft overnight could translate to occasional gusty surface winds and brief turbulence near the terminals. Flyers should keep an eye on their airline’s updates for any changes to flight status. For more technical details and the latest on aviation or marine impacts, see the National Weather Service Chicago.
Local Alerts
The city is encouraging residents to sign up for emergency and lakefront alerts. Text services such as CHILAKE and NotifyChicago can deliver quick notices about sudden changes or closures. For local notifications and to enroll, visit NotifyChicago.
Looking Ahead
Temperatures stay on the mild side for mid February, with highs generally in the mid 30s to low 40s through midweek. Forecasts call for only a small chance of light snow Thursday night and a chance of rain and snow Saturday into Sunday. No major storms are expected at this time, although details could shift as those systems get closer.
